The St. Louis Cardinals are struggling at the start of their 2025 season, sitting at a 12-17 record, which suggests they may become sellers by the trade deadline on July 31. All-Star closer Ryan Helsley, a key trade piece, is drawing interest from teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and the Arizona Diamondbacks. Helsley, who is in the final year of his contract, had a standout previous season with a franchise-record 49 saves, earning him National League Reliever of the Year honors. Despite limited appearances this season due to the team's underperformance, Helsley's potential trade could yield a significant return in prospects to aid the Cardinals' rebuilding strategy. The Phillies and Diamondbacks' need for relief pitching highlights the demand for Helsley's skills, with a trade likely to occur closer to the deadline.

The St. Louis Cardinals have had a rough start in the 2025 season, recording a 12-17 record, which positions them as potential sellers at the upcoming trade deadline on July 31.

Ryan Helsley, the Cardinals' All-Star closer, is considered a significant trade asset as he is in the final year of his contract, and the team is not expected to contend this year.

Teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and Arizona Diamondbacks are expressing interest in Helsley, especially since the Diamondbacks have a need for a reliever with A.J. Puk sidelined.

Helsley set a franchise record with 49 saves last season, earning him his second All-Star selection and the National League Reliever of the Year title.

Though Helsley has only made 10 appearances this season, recording a 3.60 ERA and four saves, his trade could bring a substantial prospect haul to support the Cardinals' rebuilding efforts.

The Phillies and Diamondbacks' interest underscores the demand for effective relief pitching, with Helsley being a prime candidate to fill this need before the trade deadline.

A trade involving Helsley is anticipated to occur closer to the deadline, as teams assess their needs and the Cardinals aim to capitalize on his value to initiate a team reset.

The St. Louis Cardinals are off to a rough start in 2025. They are 12-17 through their first 29 games of the year.

All signs point to them being sellers at this year's trade deadline on July 31. There is still plenty of time left in the season, but the Cardinals are digging themselves a hole once again.

One of the main pieces they could trade away is All-Star closer Ryan Helsley.

He is in the final year of his contract, and the Cardinals weren't looking to contend in 2025 anyway.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale reports that the two-time All-Star is already receiving trade interest from a few teams.

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"The Philadelphia Phillies, among other teams, already are keeping a close eye on Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley, who will likely be dealt by the trade deadline," Nightengale said.

"The Arizona Diamondbacks, with lefty reliever A.J. Puk sidelined for the foreseeable future, also have interest in Helsley."

Helsley saved 49 games last season, setting a Cardinals franchise record. That was enough for him to earn his second All-Star nod, as well as National League Reliever of the Year honors.

In 10 appearances this season, Helsley is 1-0 with a 3.60 ERA and has recorded four saves, but his exposure has been limited with the losses piling up for St. Louis.

There likely won't be a trade of Helsley until July, but the Phillies and Diamondbacks need relief help. The 30-year-old would bring back a massive haul of prospects to help the Cardinals get on with their "reset" plans.

We'll see where things stand at the deadline.

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